The difference between abduction and adduction comes down to direction: Abduction is movement away from your body’s midline. Adduction is movement toward that midline.

Abduction is movement away from your body’s midline. ... When you raise your arms or legs out to the side—like during the first part of a jumping jack—you’re performing abduction.

3 Best Abduction Exercises 1. Shoulder (Lateral) Raise. How to: Stand with feet hips-width, holding a dumbbell in each hand, arms at sides and palms facing in.